You might cringe at the thought of discussing financial matters before marriage, but doing so might mean the difference between wedded bliss or arguing ever after.

Since money matters have been the source of many marital battles and failed relationships, how do you make sure that such issues don’t destroy your marriage?

First, talk openly and honestly about financial issues before the wedding, addressing such questions as:

1) How much money do we earn now and will we earn in the future? What are our financial goals and how will we reach them?

2) How much money do we have in checking? In savings? Invested? Who will decide where our money will be invested?

3) Will we have a joint account or individual accounts after we marry?

4) What expenses will we have and do we earn enough to cover them? How do we decide how we will spend our money? Who will pay the bills?

5) If we have children from a previous relationship, how much money goes to them?

Financial Advisor Gayle Ostrander, CFP, of Edward Jones, has a number of financial tips for those who are engaged or for newlyweds.

“Communication is key. It’s so important that the couple develop guidelines for resolving differences,” she says. Ostrander also suggests the following:

• Draw up a budget. Setting a realistic budget and sticking to it reduces the likelihood of living beyond your means.

• Develop a debt-reduction strategy. Look at how your debts have accumulated (for example, student loans) and decide how to pay them down.

• Manage credit wisely. Try to get by on one credit card and use that only for emergencies.

• Set up an emergency fund of six months of living expenses — a good rule of thumb for everyone.

• Choose appropriate investments. By investing even modest amounts, you have the potential over time to achieve significant capital appreciation.

• Take advantage of such savings opportunities as 401(k)s at work.

“Since financial issues constitute one of the biggest causes of divorce, it’s important for people to discuss their investment and spending philosophies before they get to the altar,” says Carol Karr, attorney and chair of the Probate and Estate Planning Group at Miller Johnson.

“Couples should know how much money they have and where it is located for estate planning, which is highly recommended once they are married,” she adds.

It’s good to be starry-eyed and in love as you approach your wedding day, but it’s also smart to be practical. Prenuptial agreements aren’t recommended for everyone, but they are suggested in specific situations.

These situations may include: if a couple has inherited assets or a family business; if this is not a first marriage; and particularly if the couple are older, have children from a prior marriage and each has developed his or her own assets.

“Entering into a prenuptial agreement in these situations is a good idea. For those with inherited wealth or family businesses, the agreement will assure that those assets remain in the family — whatever happens in the marriage,” Karr says.

“For those marrying later in life, an agreement will make sure that their own assets will go to their children if they die, or they will be able to control their assets if they divorce.”